Short introduction of myself...I'm Thomas Crauwels I live in Belgium somewhere near Antwerp.I'm 15 years old (for now)I'm into Sunbeams and Triumphs because my granddad started collecting them about 40 years ago.As my first car I'm restoring an '68 Sunbeam Rapier Fastback.The car is in color code 114 (I believe this is Sherwood Green)I hope to be able to restore thee car before I'm 18...It's still in the back of my granddad's garage, but I hope to get it in my basement at home so I can work on it during winter time.

Posted - 25 Mar 2014 : 19:03:42 finally I was able to fit the RH sills (new old stock) => 90% of RH side finished!!You can even see the sparks of the spot welder fly! ;) Now working on the LH- side which is even worse after removing that sill...LH floor and front cross chassis beam have been welded in place now to be finished will post picture of that and what's left of the sills soon...

Posted - 16 Jan 2014 : 19:34:50 Most people would have caved in to the thought of so much metal to replace. I have certainly seen cars in much better condition than this get broken for parts. I admire your spirit Thomas.... keep up the good work!

Everything has been painted in red oxide etching primer to protect it from rusting again!

The front wing tips have both been repaired and fully welded, as well as deseaming where the front valance meets the wings.

Inner sills have been painted ready for the outer sills to be welded in place...

The rear lower part of the RH rear wing has been fully repaired.Maybe not the most beautiful repair but certainly one of the more difficult ones too as this part of the was build up in 3 layers..

I've also stripped 99% of rubbish of the underside and painted it in the same red paint..What a feeling you get when you finally see some bigger progress!! ;) only one layer of paint but soon to receive a couple more! ;)

Started work on the LH side by cleaning the floor and partially stripping away what was left of the front chassis beam...

Posted - 31 May 2013 : 21:32:22 Top effort !So pleased mine had 99% of the bodywork done i can't weld to save my life so always impressed when others have a try.

sometimes nothing can be a real cool hand

Fastback Thomas

Posted - 31 May 2013 : 20:38:17 Thanks Jan,I'm having difficult times myself too from time to time.That's why it's taking me a lot more time than I wanted it to take me.. Thanks for your admiration but I'll still be having to work very hard!

Posted - 30 May 2013 : 21:58:08 Hi ThomasVery good work. If my car was rusty as yours, I dont think I could do the same work as you do. I am impressed. I follow your work.Regards Jan

Fastback Thomas

Posted - 29 May 2013 : 20:14:51 Got to do some more welding in the last month,- A-pillar is largely repaired- inner sills are almost ready for the outer sills to be fitted- front inner wing is ready for red oxide paint...- the rear RH wheelarch lower section has been repaired- the front RH wing has been de-seamed in the front as there was rust in between I wondered why not de-seam it while you're at it so I made 3 pieces out of new steel and welded them in.Pictures will follow

Posted - 08 Nov 2012 : 17:00:27 No I did not.. I hope it wasn't necessary but I'm going to hang a door back in just to have a look at how the wing has to fit so that's going to tell me wether it was necessary or not but the main chassis rails have no rot at all so that's one important thing.. I've also left the other rotten sill in place to keep some strength..